10 Potential free agent targets with ties to Quin Snyder

Free agent target No. 8: Mike Muscala, Big

Every other player on this list can trace their connection with Quin Snyder back to the Utah Jazz. Snyder was the head coach of the Jazz for eight full seasons, so it makes sense that he has connections with a lot of players. His link to Mike Muscala, however, dates back even further to the 2013-14 Atlanta Hawks.

That’s right, Quin Snyder used to be with the Hawks, an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer. The season before the Hawks exploded for 60 wins, Snyder was on Budenholzer’s staff at the same time that Mike Muscala was starting his career with the Hawks.

As a rookie Muscala didn’t have much of a role, but he was honing his unique set of skills that would lead to a long career, nine seasons and counting. Muscala is stout enough at 6’10” to play center, but his best offensive skill is his perimeter shot. NBA teams love to have a stretch-5 in their back pocket, and that has resulted in a series of contracts to stick around the league.

Muscala is currently on the Boston Celtics and heading for free agency. If Muscala wants a team with a larger potential role, the Atlanta Hawks could have one if they move on from Clint Capela this offseason. Even if they don’t, having a stretch-5 gives them a different look behind Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, and he could value a reunion with his old coach.